garseer
Well-known member
Can anyone around East Texas tell me the best grass to plant for hay. I have Bahia in about an 8 acre pasture now, but would like a higher protein grass if possible.
I like the coastal bermuda the best for hay. I have some T-85, and find that without a conditioner to crush those big thick runners and stems, it takes a day or 2 longer to dry and cure for hay. The Coastal grows straight up, cuts well and cures very well for hay. I have about 6 different varities of bermuda grass, all planted for my own expirments to see which I liked the best, and have decided I like the coastal for its drought resistance, and easy haying. The T-85 will get lots more tons per acre alright, but the thick stems and runners will require more care in haying it. JMHO. :lol:garseer":19tx52r6 said:I am clearing the woods out of that pasture, so only have of it will be were the Bahia was. Are you saying it will be a waste of time.
I am clearing the woods out of that pasture, so only have of it will be were the Bahia was. Are you saying it will be a waste of time.
BusterBrown":1rvn6ium said:I like the coastal bermuda the best for hay. I have some T-85, and find that without a conditioner to crush those big thick runners and stems, it takes a day or 2 longer to dry and cure for hay. The Coastal grows straight up, cuts well and cures very well for hay. I have about 6 different varities of bermuda grass, all planted for my own expirments to see which I liked the best, and have decided I like the coastal for its drought resistance, and easy haying. The T-85 will get lots more tons per acre alright, but the thick stems and runners will require more care in haying it. JMHO. :lol:garseer":1rvn6ium said:I am clearing the woods out of that pasture, so only have of it will be were the Bahia was. Are you saying it will be a waste of time.
I'll try that next year. I sprigged it this year, so I was letting it get established before really pushing it. I did get 2 cuttings off it though. Thanks!BC":37896vxs said:BusterBrown":37896vxs said:I like the coastal bermuda the best for hay. I have some T-85, and find that without a conditioner to crush those big thick runners and stems, it takes a day or 2 longer to dry and cure for hay. The Coastal grows straight up, cuts well and cures very well for hay. I have about 6 different varities of bermuda grass, all planted for my own expirments to see which I liked the best, and have decided I like the coastal for its drought resistance, and easy haying. The T-85 will get lots more tons per acre alright, but the thick stems and runners will require more care in haying it. JMHO. :lol:garseer":37896vxs said:I am clearing the woods out of that pasture, so only have of it will be were the Bahia was. Are you saying it will be a waste of time.
Have you tried cutting the T-85 at around 24to 25 days instead of 28 to 30 days. Some of my neighbors that have T-85 says that helps. You still have a more digestible grass.
garseer":12qd638e said:Can anyone around East Texas tell me the best grass to plant for hay. I have Bahia in about an 8 acre pasture now, but would like a higher protein grass if possible.
garseer":o6vi595r said:Never heard of the Red River Crabgrass. I know the bahia grass will be hard to get rid of, but will it be worth it in the long haul.
Eddie Smith":12x3llkl said:What about spaying Image to get rid of the Bahia?
MikeC":1k4utxex said:There's much more to management than just spraying Bahia to keep it out of Bermuda.
Keeping the PH correct, fertilizing properly, and proper timing of cutting will supress Bahia.
Root developement and a thick, thick sod is key. Burning at the right time and fast growth, then feeding the roots with Potash makes Bermuda nearly impermeable.
I know of Hybrid Bermuda hayfields that have been cut annually for over 10 years with no spraying whatsoever.
That said. Bahia is for those that have no management procedures.
I should know, I have plenty of Bahia and deplore it. :lol:
I'm growing mostly coastal and common bermuda...makes some good hay when pastures are cared for (i.e. spray for johnson grass and/or broadleaf weeds). Got 64 positively big, beautiful round bales last year. Lasted all winter...still have about 8 or 10 bales left. Hitting the hay pastures with chicken litter this week or next...then praying for rain.Can anyone around East Texas tell me the best grass to plant for hay. I have Bahia in about an 8 acre pasture now, but would like a higher protein grass if possible.